The first whiff and then deep sip of this beer got me lost in memories of my younger, foolish days when I smoked clove cigarettes. That earthy spicy aroma is what dominates this beer. Collaborations are friendships and designed to bring together the best sensibilities and talents of two (or more) breweries into one harmonious beer. This ale covers four different styles, but I had to hunt for the other notes. They are there: spicy rye, resiny astringency, some caramel sweetness and boozy warmth. But like a friendship, to get beyond the first impression you have to wait a while to peel back layers.- John Holl

The rye in this beautifully deep copper ale gives it an aroma that is more spice cake than hoppy powerhouse, with clove and allspice notes on a base of dates and figs. Those same spices and fruits likewise appear in the body—first the spice, then the fig and then muddled dates and prunes with spiced-up brandy. I like complexity, but if anything there is almost too much going on in this beer, right to the hoppy-spicy-citrus-peel finish. Certainly a beer for sharing after a rich and flavorful meal.- Stephen Beaumont

John HollJohn is the editor of All About Beer Magazine, the host of The Beer Briefing on iHeart Radio, and the author of three books, including The American Craft Beer Cookbook. Find him on Twitter @John_Holl.

Stephen BeaumontCo-author of both The World Atlas of Beer and The Pocket Beer Guide (with Tim Webb), Stephen travels the world sampling beer, hosting dinners and tastings, and eating too much airport food.